Unemployment Guides & Resources
Plain-English answers to the questions that come up before, during, and after an unemployment claim — eligibility, benefit amounts, taxes, extensions, and what to do if something goes wrong. Rules on the exact dollar amounts, deadlines, and forms vary by state, so each guide links out to your state's filing guide for the specifics.
Getting Started
How Unemployment Benefits Work
A plain-English overview of how the joint federal-state unemployment insurance system works, from filing your first claim to your last payment.
What to Do After Losing Your Job: A Step-by-Step Checklist
The first two weeks after a layoff matter most. Here is the order to tackle unemployment benefits, health insurance, and your budget.
Eligibility & Applying
Unemployment Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies
The three tests every state uses to decide unemployment eligibility, and the separation reasons that typically help or hurt your claim.
Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed and Gig Workers
Regular unemployment insurance is built around W-2 payroll taxes, which is why freelancers and gig workers usually do not qualify — here is what does apply.
Benefits & Payments
Unemployment Extensions: How They Work
Extended Benefits are not always active — here is what actually triggers extra weeks of unemployment beyond the regular maximum.
How Your Unemployment Benefit Amount Is Calculated
There is no national unemployment calculator because every state uses its own formula and weekly maximum — here is the concept behind the number.
How Long Do Unemployment Benefits Last?
Regular state unemployment typically runs up to 26 weeks, but a handful of states pay for fewer weeks on a sliding scale — here is how duration works.
Partial Unemployment Benefits: Working Part-Time While on Unemployment
Taking part-time work does not automatically end your unemployment claim — most states let you keep a reduced payment if you report your earnings correctly.
Taxes
Problems & Special Situations
Unemployment Overpayment: What Happens and What to Do
Getting an overpayment notice does not automatically mean fraud — here is the difference between fault and non-fault overpayments, and how repayment and waivers work.
How to Appeal a Denied Unemployment Claim
A denial is not the final word — every state has an appeal process, but the deadline to request one is usually short and strict.